IMD update for summer: India braces for scorching summer as heatwaves loom

India is set to experience a hotter-than-usual summer from April to June, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting above-normal temperatures and an increased number of heatwave days across large swathes of the country. The IMD’s warning, issued on Monday, highlights central, eastern, and northwestern plains as the most vulnerable regions, raising concerns about water shortages, power grid strain, and potential economic fallout.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that most parts of north, east, and central India, along with the plains of northwest India, could see two to four more heatwave days than the typical four to seven recorded between April and June. States likely to bear the brunt include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and northern parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
As per reports, April is expected to bring higher-than-normal maximum temperatures across most of India, except for some areas in the extreme south and northwest, where conditions may remain typical. Minimum temperatures will also trend above average in most regions, though parts of the northwest and northeast might see normal or slightly cooler nights.

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For travelers eyeing India between April and June 2025, the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of hotter-than-usual temperatures and increased heatwave days could reshape itineraries. Central, eastern, and northwestern plains, including destinations like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, may see two to four extra heatwave days, with northwest India potentially doubling its usual tally. This scorching outlook suggests swapping dusty plains for cooler retreats—think hill stations like Shimla, Manali, or Darjeeling, where crisp mountain air offers respite.
The predicted strain on power grids and water supplies might also disrupt urban stays, making rural escapes or coastal getaways like Kerala’s backwaters more appealing. With maximum temperatures set to soar across most regions, except parts of the south and northwest, slow travel enthusiasts should plan for early mornings, shaded siestas, and destinations that promise relief rather than relentless heat.
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